Good news! It’s the new Dacia Sandero

James will be pleased: it's a new look for the budget Fiesta rival

Fist pumps all-round in a certain corner of TG HQ: the Dacia Sandero’s got a new look.

Dacia tells us that James’ favourite Fiesta rival now expresses “vitality and versatility and brings customers unrivalled equipment for money”. But it gets sexier. The boot volume of 320 dm3 VDA means it thrusts ahead of its class. Drop the 60/40 split-folding rear seat and load volume’s off the chain – there’s 1,200 dm3 VDA to play with. Woof.

Not many more details than that so far, TopGear.commers, but more will be revealed at next month’s Paris Motor Show, including price. Which in the Dacia tradition, will be extremely competitive (remember, the current Duster SUV costs a mere £8,995).

Joining the Sandero in Paris will be a new beefed-up faux 4x4 – the Stepway – and the Logan saloon (although this won’t be making it to the UK). We’ll have all the details on these live from the floor as usual…